# Super. Ct. Civ. R. 3: Rule 3. Commencing an Action

> District of Columbia · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R3

## Section

- **Citation:** Super. Ct. Civ. R. 3
- **Heading:** Rule 3. Commencing an Action
- **Jurisdiction:** District of Columbia
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** District of Columbia Court Rules / Civil Division / Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure / Super. Ct. Civ. R. 3

## Text

A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.
COMMENT TO 2017 AMENDMENTS
Stylistic changes were made to this rule to conform with the 2007 amendments to
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 3.
COMMENT
Rule 3 identical to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 3.

## Nearby sections

- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 1 Rule 1. Scope and Purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R1.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 2 Rule 2. One Form of Action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R2.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 3 Rule 3. Commencing an Action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R3.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 3-I Rule 3-I. Actions Involving Real Property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R3_I.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4 Rule 4. Summons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R4.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4-I Rule 4-I. Service by Publication](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R4_I.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4.1 Rule 4.1. Serving Other Process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R4_1.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 5 Rule 5. Serving and Filing Pleadings and Other Papers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R5.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 5-I Rule 5-I. Proof of Service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R5_I.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 5-II Rule 5-II. Pleadings and Orders Affecting Estates of Veterans](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R5_II.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 5-III Rule 5-III. Sealed or Confidential Documents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R5_III.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 5.1 Rule 5.1. Challenge to Validity or Constitutionality of a District of Columbia Statute, Order, Regulation, or Enactment—Constitutional Challenge to a Federal or State Statute—Notice, Certification, and Intervention](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R5_1.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 5.1-I Rule 5.1-I. Intervention by the United States or the District of Columbia](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R5_1_I.md)
- [Super. Ct. Civ. R. 5.2 Rule 5.2. Privacy Protection for Filings Made with the Court](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R5_2.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_DC_SUPCIV_R3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.